Tasty Tuesday Treat #72

Even though I consider myself a relatively healthy person, I like to fine tune my routine at the start of each new year.  Whether that means adding a new fitness class to my schedule or tweaking "a soon to be stodgy" recipe, I welcome the newness of the new year.

This year I decided to kick off 2016 with a "breakfast bang" because of a recent article that I had read.  In that article, I became aware that the average American sabotages his breakfast by ingesting too much sugar and not enough "good" fats and proteins.  Since one of my "wake up - go to's" (a prepackaged granola bar) fit the "too much sugar not enough fat/protein" bill, I began preparing Avocado Chocolate Chia Puddings each night before bed.  The pudding packs "good" fats from the avocado, protein from the chia seeds and ABSOLUTELY NO SUGAR* since I use Cacao powder instead of Cocoa powder.

Now on to a mid-day meal makeover....

*I limit the Maple Sugar that I use in order to keep the sugar level low.

((Photo Source;  http://fitnessista.com/2014/09/avocado-chocolate-chia-pudding-healthy-late-night-desserts-for-one/))

Mindful Monday Inspiration #72

((Photo Source:  http://www.happynewyear2015x.net/2016/01/martin-luther-king-day-2016.html))

Fitness Friday Fact #72

Winter weather can easily put a damper on any workout regimen.  For me, snow has sidelined my gym plans countless times, leaving me with serious cardio cravings.  This year I'm prepared to "feed my craving" with Jessica Smith's Fitness Videos.  These free online videos vary in length, intensity as well as focus area.  Best of all, weather is not a sweat session spoiler!

((Photo Source:  http://health.heraldtribune.com/2014/09/23/top-trainer-jessica-smith-records-workouts-parents-sarasota-living-room/))

Thursday's Trend Alert Dirt Report #71

Currently, one of my favorite shows to DVR is The Kitchen.  This talk show / cooking demo series features five Food Network stars who discuss everything from food trends to entertaining ideas - with a splash of crazy cocktails!  

In last week's episode, with the New Year / New You trend in mind, the hosts focused on revamping classic meals.  Host Katie Lee was the first to showcase her recipe for Turkey Bolognese with Zoodles.  Her innovative take on carb heavy pasta inspired me to change one of my go-to recipes; granola.

To avoid the artificial sugar that most granola recipes pack, I pureed pears to use as my sweet source.  Mixed with almond butter and coconut oil, my quinoa / flax / oat granola will be SOOOO 2016 ;)

((Photo Source:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/the-kitchen/behind-the-scenes-of-the-kitchen.html))